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FORMER England international Tim Bresnan is accused of making a racist remark towards the sister of Azeem Rafiq, according to allegations made in a hearing into the racism controversy at Yorkshire County Cricket Club that began on Wednesday (1).
Rafiq claimed he experienced racial abuse while playing for Yorkshire county more than two years ago.
During Wednesday's proceedings of an independent Cricket Discipline Commission in London, it was alleged Bresnan, an ex-Yorkshire all-rounder, used a racial slur against Rafiq's sister Amna in 2014.
Jane Mulcahy KC, the lawyer for the England and Wales Cricket Board, said Bresnan is alleged to have directed the term "fit Paki" and "FP" towards Asian women, including Rafiq's sister Amna at a Yorkshire media day.
He was also alleged to have referred to Rafiq and Asian team-mates Adil Rashid, Ajmal Shahzad and Rana Naved-ul-Hasan as "the brothers" and "you lot".
In a previous statement, Bresnan has denied the allegations, having claimed the term "brothers" was used but not in a discriminatory or racial way.
The 38-year-old, capped 23 times at Test level by England, also insisted he had no recollection of using the phrase "you lot" in a match against Derbyshire and claimed to have never met Amna Rafiq.
Bresnan is one of several former Yorkshire players and coaches, including Andrew Gale, Matthew Hoggard, Richard Pyrah and John Blain, who have refused to engage with the Discipline Commission process.
But the CDC panel will still hear the charges against them in their absence.
Hoggard and Blain, like Bresnan, have denied a charge of bringing the game into disrepute and allegations of using racial or discriminatory language.
However, Mulcahy said it was "more likely than not" each of the trio used the racist phrases alleged.
Gary Ballance, also charged, has already admitted using racially discriminatory language and will not appear.
Ballance, a former England Test player, is now playing for the country of his birth, Zimbabwe.
Yorkshire confirmed last week that documents relating to racism allegations against the club were deleted under the previous regime.
Pakistan-born Rafiq, 32, first raised allegations of racism and bullying in September 2020, related to the spin bowler's two spells at Yorkshire.
He told a British parliamentary committee in December 2022 the abuse he and his family had faced had forced him to leave the UK.
Disrepute charges against seven individuals with prior connections to Yorkshire were issued by the ECB last June, with the club also charged.
But the only charged individual still set to appear is ex-England captain Michael Vaughan.
Rafiq alleges Vaughan told him and a group of Yorkshire team-mates of Asian ethnicity there were "too many of you lot, we need to do something about it" at a match in 2009.
Vaughan categorically denies the allegation, but Rafiq's claim has been corroborated by England leg-spinner Rashid, as well as former Pakistan paceman Naved.
• Jury reaches verdict on 4 out of 5 charges in Sean Combs’ federal trial
• No consensus yet on racketeering conspiracy charge carrying life sentence
• Deliberations to continue Wednesday after just 13 hours behind closed doors
• Combs faces decades in prison if convicted of sex trafficking or racketeering
The jury in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal sex trafficking trial has delivered a partial verdict, agreeing on four of the five serious charges against the music mogul. However, jurors remain split on the most severe charge of racketeering conspiracy, a count that could send Combs to prison for life if convicted.
After two full days of deliberation in a New York courtroom, the 12-member panel told Judge Arun Subramanian that they had reached unanimous decisions on two counts of sex trafficking and two counts related to transportation for prostitution. These verdicts remain sealed for now.
Sean "Puffy" Combs arrives at New York State Supreme Court in New York city 29 February, 2000Getty Images
Jury stalled over racketeering conspiracy charge
The panel informed the judge on Tuesday evening that they were unable to agree on the racketeering conspiracy charge due to “unpersuadable opinions on both sides.” The charge is the most complex, requiring jurors to determine if Combs operated a coordinated criminal enterprise involving at least two crimes across several years.
Combs has denied all five charges. He sat quietly in court as Judge Subramanian declined to accept a partial verdict and ordered deliberations to continue. His defence team had requested more time to try for full consensus.
Jury reaches partial verdict in Diddy trial but stalls on racketeering charge Getty Images
Sex trafficking and prostitution charges under wraps
Though the jury has reached decisions on the remaining charges, the court has not revealed those verdicts yet. If found guilty of sex trafficking, Combs faces a minimum sentence of 15 years, while convictions on the prostitution-related charges carry up to 10 years each.
The case is based on disturbing testimony from 34 witnesses, including two of Combs’ ex-girlfriends. The government alleges that the Bad Boy Records founder orchestrated “Freak Offs” or sex marathons involving drugs, male escorts, and coercion, often across state lines.
Sean "P. Diddy" Combs performs during taping for the opening of the MTV Beach HouseGetty Images
Cassie’s testimony and surveillance video central to case
One of the most damning pieces of evidence came from R&B singer Cassie Ventura, who testified that Combs abused her physically and sexually during their decade-long relationship. The jury reviewed her account of a 2016 hotel hallway assault, captured on surveillance video, where Combs was seen kicking and dragging her.
Prosecutors say the footage supports Ventura’s claim that she tried to flee a coerced sex party. They argue Combs used threats, money, and fear of public humiliation to control and exploit her.
Sean "Puffy" Combs arrives at Manhattan Supreme Court February 28, 2001Getty Images
Defence paints alternate picture of consensual lifestyle
Combs’ attorneys insist the trial is a smear campaign aimed at criminalising the artist’s consensual swinger lifestyle. They argue his personal relationships were toxic but not criminal, and the alleged abuse, while serious, does not meet the bar for federal sex trafficking or racketeering.
Marc Agnifilo, attorney for Sean "Diddy" Combs, arrives at federal court Getty Images
They also reject claims that his employees helped facilitate illegal acts, saying any staff involvement was limited to professional duties, not criminal collaboration.
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FILE PHOTO: Sheikh Hasina gestures while speaking to the media in Dhaka on January 8, 2024. (Photo by INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP via Getty Images)
BANGLADESH's ousted and self-exiled prime minister Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to six months in prison by the country's International Crimes Tribunal on Wednesday (2) in a contempt of court case, a top prosecutor said.
Hasina has been facing multiple cases since she fled to India after deadly student-led protests in August, but it was the first time the former leader was sentenced in one of them.
Shakil Akand Bulbul, a leader of the Awami League party's banned student wing Chhatra League, was also sentenced to two months in prison in the same case, chief prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam told reporters. The party had been led by Hasina for years.
A three-member ICT tribunal, led by Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder, delivered the verdict in their absence, noting that the sentences will take effect upon arrest or surrender, the prosecutor added.
The contempt charges stem from a leaked phone recording where Hasina was allegedly heard saying, "there are 227 cases against me, so I now have a licence to kill 227 people."
A forensic report by a government investigative agency later confirmed the audio's authenticity.
The ICT was originally set up in 2010 by Hasina's own government to try 1971 war crimes.
Bangladesh's interim administration, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, pledged to hold leaders, including Hasina, accountable for rights abuses and corruption, including the crackdown on the student-led uprising last July that toppled Hasina's regime.
The tribunal has so far issued three arrest warrants for Hasina, including charges of crimes against humanity linked to the July violence. Hasina's Awami League party remains banned while trials continue against the party and its former leaders.
Up to 1,400 people were killed between July and August last year, according to the United Nations, when Hasina's government ordered a crackdown on protesters in a failed bid to cling to power.
In a separate ongoing trial that began on June 1, prosecutors say that Hasina held overall command responsibility for the violence.
Her state-appointed defence lawyer said she has denied the multiple charges that amount to crimes against humanity under Bangladeshi law.
Supporters of Hasina dismiss the charges as politically motivated, but the interim government insists the trials are crucial for restoring accountability and rebuilding trust in Bangladesh's democratic institutions.
(Agencies)
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Customers shop for 'Kolhapuri' sandals, an Indian ethnic footwear, at a store in New Delhi, India, June 27, 2025. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi
INDIAN footwear sellers and artisans are tapping into nationalist pride stoked by the Prada 'sandal scandal' in a bid to boost sales of ethnic slippers with history dating back to the 12th century, raising hopes of reviving a struggling craft.
Sales are surging over the past week for the 'Kolhapuri' sandals that have garnered global attention after Prada sparked a controversy by showcasing similar designs in Milan, without initially crediting the footwear's origins.
After viral photos from a fashion show drew criticism from Indian artisans who make the sandals - named after a historic city in Maharashtra state - Prada was forced to acknowledge that its new open-toe footwear was inspired by ancient Indian designs.
"Prada 0: Kolhapur 1," said an Instagram post by e-commerce website Shopkop, whose founder Rahul Parasu Kamble's open letter to Prada pointing out the footwear is "soaked in tradition" was reshared 36,000 times on social media.
"I saw the controversy as a way to promote Kolhapuri," said Kamble, 33, who has seen sales of sandals he sources from local artisans touch 50,000 rupees ($584) in three days, five times the average.
Social media has been abuzz in recent days with criticism and sarcastic memes, with politicians, artisans and a trade body demanding due credit to Indian heritage.
Prada has said it will arrange follow-up meetings with artisans. In a statement on Tuesday (1), it added the Italian group intends to make the sandals in India in collaboration with local manufacturers, if it commercialises them.
India's luxury market is small but growing, with the rich splurging on Lamborghini cars and pricey watches. Prada does not have a single retail store in India and its products are usually reserved for the super rich - its men's leather sandals start retailing at $844 (£667), while Kolhapuris can be priced as low as $12 (£8.92).
But linking of the Prada name to the Kolhapuri sandals, which are made by around 7,000 artisans, is providing a business opportunity for some.
Mumbai-based Ira Soles is running new Facebook and Instagram advertisements which proclaim its $32 (£24) "Tan Handcrafted Kolhapuris just walked the ramp at Prada ... Limited stock. Global spotlight. Own a piece of what the world is applauding.".
E-commerce website Niira is offering up to 50 per cent discounts on its Kolhapuri slippers it says are "rooted in tradition". Its sales of $18 (£13.5) sandals, that looked like the one Prada showcased in Milan, have tripled, founder Nishant Raut said.
"Why can't an Indian Kolhapuri brand become as big as a Birkenstock," he said.
Handmade in small factories, Kolhapuri sandals, or chappals as they are called in Hindi, are often paired with Indian attire. Similar designs are sold in big outlets of Bata India and Metro Brands, and also on Amazon and Walmart's Flipkart.
In 2021, India's government said the sandals could achieve $1 billion (£728m) a year in exports. Though latest estimates are not available, artisans say the business has struggled as consumers increasingly opt for more fashionable, upmarket footwear.
Still, the Prada controversy is breathing new life into a craft that Lalit Gandhi, president of Maharashtra's main industry lobby group, says is "a dying art". Gandhi said he is in talks with Prada to develop a co-branded, limited-edition sandal.
Kolhapur craftsmen Ashok Doiphode, 50, is pinning hopes on a Prada boost. He hand-stitches sandals for nine hours daily but can sell a pair for just Rs 400 (£3.5)
"If big companies like Prada come, craftsman like me can get a good price."
(Reuters)
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Migrants swim to board a smugglers' boat in order to attempt crossing the English channel off the beach of Audresselles, northern France on October 25, 2024. (Photo: Getty Images)
NEARLY 20,000 people have crossed the English Channel in small boats from continental Europe since January 1, setting a new record for the first half of any year, according to UK government figures published on Tuesday.
A total of 19,982 people made the journey, surpassing the previous high of 13,489 recorded in 2024.
The increase adds pressure on prime minister Keir Starmer, who had pledged to reduce migrant numbers after taking office last year.
On Monday, 879 people arrived in the UK in small boats. This was the third highest single-day total recorded so far this year.
Crossings remain key political issue
Small boat crossings have remained a major political issue in the UK.
Successive governments have committed to lowering the number of arrivals via this route.
Starmer is reportedly in talks with French president Emmanuel Macron on a potential agreement that would allow the UK to return small boat migrants to France, while taking in asylum seekers who have family members in the UK.
Possible deal during Macron’s visit
The proposed arrangement could be announced during Macron’s visit to London next week.
Meanwhile, France is also considering whether to let officials intervene to stop boats in shallow coastal waters before they set off.
However, they are still not authorised to intercept vessels already en route across the Channel.
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Rachel Zegler stuns in Jamie Lloyd’s Evita as Palladium crowds grow nightly
Rachel Zegler plays Eva Perón in Jamie Lloyd’s radical Evita revival at the London Palladium.
A viral moment features Zegler singing live from the theatre’s balcony to crowds on the street.
Lloyd’s stripped-down staging amps up visuals and sound but sacrifices storytelling depth.
Talks are on for a Broadway transfer as early as 2026 with Zegler confirmed to reprise her role.
Rachel Zegler commands the London stage as Eva Perón in Jamie Lloyd’s daring reimagining of Evita, a production that trades subtlety for spectacle and could soon be heading to Broadway.
Following the success of Sunset Boulevard, Lloyd’s signature stripped-down style meets rock concert intensity in this revived version of the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical. Zegler, in only her second major stage role, dazzles with commanding vocals and presence, even as critics debate the show’s dramatic clarity.
Jamie Lloyd’s Evita with Rachel Zegler set for Broadway after London triumphInstagram/officialevita
Zegler’s Evita performance leaves no doubt
From her first note, Rachel Zegler proves she’s no newcomer to the stage. Her performance, both vocally and physically, carries the entire show, even when the production leans more into visual punch than emotional depth. Zegler’s rendition of Don’t Cry for Me Argentina, performed from the Palladium’s real-life balcony to street crowds below, has already become the production’s signature moment. The scene is filmed live and broadcast inside, symbolically capturing Eva Perón’s manipulation of public adoration.
Staging pushes boundaries with video and spectacle
Jamie Lloyd’s direction strips the production down to a giant grey staircase and replaces traditional storytelling with flashing lights, camera close-ups, and muscular choreography. While critics say some scenes lose emotional resonance, especially in the second act, others land with undeniable theatrical force. Some note the live camera work, booming lighting, and thundering score often feel closer to a Beyoncé tour than traditional West End fare.
After drawing big names on opening night, from Pedro Pascal and Keanu Reeves to Elaine Paige, the show’s success has sparked conversations about a Broadway transfer. Lloyd, backed by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, is pushing for an early 2026 New York run. Logistics are already in motion, with plans to replicate the live balcony scene in the heart of Manhattan, pending city approval for crowd management.
Though visually electrifying, the production has drawn criticism for flattening the emotional arc of Eva Perón’s story. Supporting roles, including Diego Andres Rodriguez as Che and James Olivas as Juan Perón, offer committed performances, but critics say the narrative lacks clarity. Still, audiences have been captivated, and the show has crossed into public conversation beyond theatre circles, exactly the kind of impact Lloyd seems to be chasing.